How long is the current wait for a Tesla Model 3?

Amidst its continual product launches, delays in manufacturing, and Elon Musk’s increasingly hands-on role in the Model 3 rollout, Tesla has been in the news a lot lately. And while each update reveals more about Tesla’s process for meeting consumer demand, customers are less interested in shareholder news than in knowing when the heck they’ll finally be able to get behind the wheel of their new Tesla Model 3.

Let’s review the details and how long you can expect to wait.

What is the estimated delivery date of the Model 3?

At this point, it’s hard to say. Tesla offers an estimated delivery date calculator on its website, but it’s only available to Tesla customers who already have reservations. Despite this, we can make an estimate based on what we know about Tesla’s process:

After reserving a Model 3 with down payment on Tesla’s website, your name is placed on a reservation list.

Customers are contacted based on reservation list position; the earlier you reserved, the earlier you’ll receive the email containing the next steps.

After receiving the email containing your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), you will be asked to configure your Tesla for production. Your Tesla will be shipped after this is complete. (Note: Tesla mass produces Model 3s based on specific configurations and features. This means that until your specific order aligns with the company’s production schedule, you’ll be waiting to receive this email. This may take anywhere from several weeks to a few months, depending on Tesla’s schedule.)

After configuration, Tesla ships your vehicle based on your availability and Tesla’s own shipping schedule. Tesla offers a window of 3 to 6 weeks for this process, though individual orders may vary.

In truth, Tesla may be as unsure as you are about the delivery date of your order. The company recently fell short of one production goal, aiming to produce 2,500 units each week by the end of March. An internal email from Tesla revealed that they were producing closer to 2,000 units each week—meaning that the company is still struggling to catch up with the massive consumer demand for the Model 3.

As such, unless you get lucky with your order, you’ll likely be waiting a couple months for your new Tesla.

What can you do while you are waiting?

Most people that are interested in buying a Tesla Model 3 will also be wanting to generate the electricity to power it themselves using a home solar system.

While you are waiting to get your Tesla you can gather solar quotes from local solar installers. You can work out what size solar system you would need to power your Model 3, and the rest of the electrical loads in your house by:

Why not charge your Tesla with solar power? Click here to learn more about the benefits of solar.

What is the Model 3 reservation list?

The Model 3 reservation is how Tesla tracks their orders, given that Model 3’s are still in limited production. Customers who put down a reservation deposit of $1,000 are added to the reservation list and contacted when their turn for a fresh Model 3 comes up. Tesla bases this contact on reservation order, so customers who want to get in early should reserve their place as soon as possible.

And while the exact number of deliveries is harder to pin down, we do know that Tesla delivered 1,550 Model 3’s by the end of Q4 2017, with over 800 more in transit.

Where can I get a Model 3?

Model 3 reservations are available through Tesla’s website. However, keep in mind that Model 3 deliveries are currently limited to the U.S. and Canada, with international deliveries slated for 2019.

How much does a Tesla Model 3 cost?

The standard Tesla Model 3 costs $35,000. This includes basic options with no upgrades and a battery that offers 220 miles of range.

A longer-range Tesla is also available, retailing at $44,000. This option offers a stronger battery with a range of 310 miles, as well as faster acceleration and top speed.

Model 3 customers can also choose from a variety of premium upgrades to support their vehicles, but these upgrades will understandably bump up the price tag.

The price of a fully-loaded, decked out Model 3 will cost $59,500 before taxes and incentives. Most of this additional cost comes from the variety of luxury upgrades available, which we’ll detail below.

Interested in a completely natural energy system from home to car? Click here to find out the cost of solar panels in your city.

Bottom line—is it worth the wait?

While customizations and premium upgrades can significantly raise the Model 3’s price tag, (Enhanced Autopilot and Full Self-Driving features run the customer an additional $5,000 and $8,000, respectively!) they may be worth it for those wanting a premium electric experience. And really, that’s what Tesla is all about.

Install solar on your roof to charge your Tesla Model 3

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If you’re interested in giving it a shot, now’s the time to start. Tesla’s ramp-up of the Model 3 over the past few months means that we’ll start seeing more consumer reviews soon. And while early reports are positive, you’ll have plenty of time—reservation or not—to let the reviews come in and make up your mind for yourself. And if you do decide to get on the list, consider distracting yourself while you wait with a solar carport project.

As chairman of Solar Investments Inc and chairman of the largest solar panel installation company in South Australia, Andy is passionate about solar power. With his unique working background he writes on the residential solar industry in America from a unique perspective.

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The information on our website is general in nature and is not intended as a substitute for competent legal, financial or electrical engineering advice. The solar cost and savings calculator above has been designed to require very little information from you. This ease of use comes at the expense of some accuracy. As forecasting solar savings involves assumptions about future electricity prices you should be aware such estimates are inherently uncertain.